5 reasons to visit Chiang Dao

By The Married Wanderers On March 31, 2020

Chiang Dao is a small dusty town set between lime stone cliffs and lush jungle greenery. This was our first stop along the MAE HONG SON LOOP in Northern Thailand and probably our favourite! We could have easily stayed here for a week if time allowed. So here are 5 reasons to visit Chiang Dao.

Add this lesser known gem to your next Thailand trip.

5 reasons to visit Chiang Dao

The Wat Tham Pha Plong | ‘Chiang Dao Cave’

Although the cave itself is the main attraction, our favourite part of this experience was the hike up to the golden temple.

Every couple of steps we were encouraged further by spiritual Buddhist quotes. We read each one together but walked most of the way in silence, being mindful of each script and the serene views around us. It almost felt like a small pilgrimage.

These scripts were also great excuses to have constant breaks while hiking ;).

500+ Steps later we arrived at the cave. Filled with shrines and caverns, this cave is dedicated to a beloved meditation master – Luang Poo Sim.

Just left of the cave is the Golden Chedi, a temple which offers incredibly lush, panoramic views over the entire jungle below.

Natural Hotsprings at Doo-Dao-Doi Farm

We took our hired scooter which we used to travel through most of Northern Thailand, and made our way South to the Chiang Dao Hot Springs at Doo-Dao-Doi Farm.

These pools are very rustic. When we arrived they were filled with locals enjoying a lazy Sunday by the river. We paid +- 50 Baht for our own private pool at the back and two cold beers.

Accommodation at the hot springs: Doo-Dao-Doi farm & Stay.

The mountain campsite at Halo Moon

This campsite is not listed on the internet (we’ve searched everywhere). We found it accidentally while exploring the town on our scooter. We came across a really steep gravel road and Rudolph decided it would be fun to try out his “scooter abilities”. So up we went, leading us straight to this hidden gem!

That evening the whole sky lit up with stars. We sat for hours on our “garden porch” talking about how crazy it was that we were spending the night “in a tent in Chiang Dao”. It was never a place we dreamed about visiting but here we were, in love with everything about it!!

The campsite is on the same road as Saen Kam Resort, as you drive past this resort you will end up at Halo Moon. See screen shots below:

The local food

Not that you have much options in Chiang Dao, but the local food is so delicious! All the flavour for none of the expense :)!!

The jungle bungalow at Chiang Dao Hut

The campsite was incredible – but one night on a very thin mattress is probably enough ;). We were so excited about our second find at this cosy bungalow. Romantic jungle views and day beds all for almost nothing!!

*If you haven’t noticed yet, we visited Chiang Dao during our 8 month budget backpacking trip so affordability was everything.